From the Horse's Mouth

by: Kelly and Heather

After a controversial game that was blamed on the referees, we decided to go straight to the horse's mouth to get the full story. We talked to head of officials Billy Hulse who has been officiating for twenty nine years. When asked if the fans bother the officials when they are calling a game, he answered, "The fans don't really bother us unless they use profanity. They have to pay to get in and they have the right to disagree as long as they keep it clean."

The fans do not have as much training in the field of basketball as the referees. Billy informed us that each referee must take a test each year to renew their license. If they want to officiate in the state tournament, they must attend a camp held during the summer.

Closing the interview, Mr. Hulse told us, " The referees feel unappreciated. We work hard and without us the game could not be played. Their would be no authority therefore causing chaos."

We appreciate Mr. Hulse and all of the referees for taking the time to referee our tournament. We especially want to thank Mr. Billy for taking the time to talk with us, and for giving us an inside view from the world of officiating.